Cataracts are a very common eye condition that affects people all over the world. It is more common as we age, but can also appear as the result of an injury. At first, the condition may not have a significant impact on your ability to see. The problem will worsen over time until you begin to have serious issues with your sight.

The best thing to do is to catch the condition early so that a doctor can monitor progress and determine the best time for cataract surgery. What signs should you look for when you notice changes in your vision?

Glare and Light Sensitivity – Many patients will start to notice increased sensitivity to bright light. They also see haloes or glare around light sources. This occurs because the cataract scatters light as it enters the eye.

Loss of Color Vision – Cataracts can also reduce a person’s ability to see colors. The clouding effect can wash out hues, causing the world to look drab and muted. Red, yellow, and green shades will begin to appear similar.

Other Common Symptoms – If you experience double vision, trouble seeing at night, and poor central vision, then you may have a developing cataract.

What Do I Do if I Notice the Signs of Cataracts?

If you notice any of the signs listed above, it’s time to seek professional advice. Only a doctor can examine your eyes and provide a diagnosis and treatment option. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & GreyMichigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to make an appointment.

Cataracts are a common problem, but one that is correctable. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 25.7 million people age 40 and up in the U.S. have cataracts. That number is expected to grow to 45.6 million over the next few decades. Good eye health is important, and that means knowing when a procedure is or isn’t needed.

What Happens During Cataract Surgery?

Cataract surgery usually starts with a mild sedative. The doctor will also put anesthetic eye drops into the affected eye to prevent any discomfort. During the procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens, also known as an IOL. If there are no complications, the process should take around 10 minutes.

The patient will be moved to a recovery area until sedation wears off, which can take up to an hour. Vision is greatly improved immediately after surgery, but doctors will generally advise against driving and similar activities for at least 24 hours.

Signs That You Need Cataract Surgery

If your cataracts are not causing issues with your vision, then you do not need to have surgery yet. Once they start to impede on your ability to live safely and independently, then it is time to talk to an ophthalmologist about surgery. Ask yourself if the cataracts are:

Preventing you from completing daily activities

Preventing you from working in your occupation

Interfering with your ability to drive safely

Interfering with your ability to enjoy outdoor activities

If you answer yes to any of these, then it may be time to have your cataracts removed. If you are uncertain, the best option is to talk to a professional. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey at our Southeast Michigan ophthalmologist office today to schedule a consultation.

Information can provide us the power to make better decisions when it comes to health and wellbeing. That’s why Prevent Blindness America has made June Cataract Awareness Month. This is a great time to research this common condition and learn if and how to protect yourself from it. What should you know about cataracts?

Cataract Fact 1: Removal Surgery Is 95% Successful

Cataract removal surgery is very safe and nearly always successful. Nine out of 10 patients who undergo the procedure regain 20/20 to 20/40 vision. The process involves removal of the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial one. Removal can take 10 to 15 minutes, not including recovery.

Cataract Fact 2: Age-Related Cataracts Are Not Preventable

Age is something that we cannot control, which means age-related cataracts are not preventable. That’s why it’s important to see an ophthalmologist regularly to monitor for signs of the condition.

Cataract Fact 3: This Condition Can Affect Your Vision

Cataracts change more than just the appearance of your eye. They will affect your vision. Patients usually report blurriness, increased glare, double vision, faded colors, and halos. If left untreated, they will eventually cause legal blindness.

Cataract Fact 4: Lifestyle Factors Can Increase Your Risk

An unhealthy lifestyle can increase your risk of developing cataracts. Always wear safety gear when playing sports or working in high-risk environments. Exposure to sunlight, smoking, steroid medications, and obesity can increase your risk.

Cataract Fact 5: Cataract Blindness is Reversible

If cataracts develop and are left untreated, it is never too late to correct the problem. Surgery can restore vision, even in advanced cases.

Many people don’t worry about their eyesight until there is a problem. Information is your best weapon against many eye-related conditions and diseases. The following list will help you learn more about your vision.

How Often Should I Get an Eye Exam?

Healthy patients between the ages of 20 and 39 should get a comprehensive eye exam once every two to four years. Grosinger, Spiegelman & Grey ophthalmologists recommend that healthy patients make an appointment annually once they hit age 40 to catch any issue early before there are symptoms.

What Does Nearsighted and Farsighted Mean?

Nearsighted means that you can see objects that are nearby, but your vision becomes blurry the further away an object is to you. Farsightedness is the opposite, meaning you can see objects that are farther away while those that are closer appear blurry.

What Are Cataracts and Can They Be Treated?

A cataract is a condition where the lens in the eye becomes cloudy, causing a loss of vision or blindness. They can be removed with surgery. The procedure has a high success rate and involves cutting away the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.

Is LASIK Eye Surgery Safe?

LASIK eye surgery is very safe and comes with a low risk of complications. Patients should make sure they choose a reputable facility and learn more about the process and recovery before having the procedure done.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that occurs when fluid builds up in the eye, causing pressure that damages the optic nerve. It is the leading cause of blindness in patients over age 60.

Talk to an ophthalmologist to get answers to other eye care questions or to discuss changes in your vision. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in southeast Michigan to make an appointment.

When your ophthalmologist says the words “cataract surgery,” your initial reaction may be of concern. The thought of someone operating on your eyes can be scary. The good news is that there is nothing to be afraid of if you need this common procedure. According to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, this operation has a 98% or higher success rate. There are also other benefits that could improve your life.

Regain Control of Your Independence

Cataracts are clouding that appears on the eye’s natural lens. As the condition progresses, the patient will have an increasingly more difficult time performing daily tasks. Things that once came easy, like driving or reading, may become nearly impossible. This can lead to social withdrawal and even depression.

After cataract surgery, many patients find that they regain the ability to perform these common tasks. They can live more independently and return to a more social lifestyle. This can help prevent depression and improves the patient’s overall quality of life.

Lower Your Risk of Falling Injury

When you can see properly, you are less likely to suffer a falling injury. An unseen object or change in terrain can be very dangerous. A fall can have a negative long-term effect, especially on older individuals or those with health conditions that could hinder recovery.

A 2012 study of Medicare beneficiaries with cataracts found that cataract surgery decreased the risk of a hip fracture by 16% one year after the procedure. Patients with severe cataracts lowered the risk by 23%.

Increase Your Chances of a Longer Life

Cataract removal can also increase your chances of living longer. A long-term study released in 2013 revealed that patients had a 40% reduction in mortality risk after cataract surgery compared to those who did not undergo the procedure.

If you experience changes in vision or have cataracts, contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians right away to schedule an appointment to assess your eyes and make a recommendation for treatment.

The vast majority of cataract surgeries are completed without incident with outstanding outcomes. While it is very rare, complications can happen. When they do, it’s vital that the surgeon knows how to react and repair the damage quickly. Some cases may require an anterior vitrectomy. While there may be situations where the procedure is planned, it is usually not. When it’s needed, the surgeon must act fast to improve the patient’s outcome.

What Is the Vitreous?

The vitreous is a gel-like material that fills the eye’s interior. It’s made of 98% to 99% water and houses a network of collagen bundles. It allows the eye to maintain its round shape. Intertwined fibers within this area are connected to the retina.

What Is Anterior Vitrectomy?

The term vitrectomy describes surgery that is used to remove some or all of the vitreous humor from an eye. Anterior vitrectomy focuses on removal of vitreous humor from front structures in the eye. This is done because they have become entangled within an intraocular lens or other parts.

How Long Does an Anterior Vitrectomy Take?

The total duration of the procedure may vary depending on the individual situation. Some may be completed in as little as 30 minutes while others could take more than three hours. Your surgeon can provide a time estimate.

Complications of Vitrectomy

Most patients should see positive results after a vitrectomy. Problems during surgery can lead to complications like drooping eyelid, mild bleeding, increased eye pressure, double vision, and dilated pupil.

Will My Vision Improve?

Every patient is different, which means results may vary. If you have questions about a procedure or the risks of cataract or any other eye surgery, contact Eye Michigan at our Southeast Michigan ophthalmologist office to schedule an appointment.

Cataracts are a common sign of aging that can cause a loss of vision. Cataracts appear when protein in the eye begins to clump together. It’s important to see your doctor regularly to monitor changes in your sight as you grow older.

Cataract Symptoms

Cataracts usually take a long time to form, so the changes they cause may not be obvious until the condition has worsened. Common cataract symptoms include:

Blurry or foggy vision

Nearsightedness in elderly people

Changes in how the eye interprets color

Problems with night driving

Problems with glare during the day

One eye experiencing double vision

Contacts or eyeglasses no longer working effectively

Diagnosing Cataracts

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should visit your ophthalmologist. They will review your medical history and perform tests to verify the diagnosis. These tests may include a visual acuity test with an eye chart, a slit-lamp exam that lets the doctor see structures in your eye, and a retinal exam which uses eye drops to dilate the pupils.

Cataract Treatment

People with cataracts can restore their vision with the help of their doctor. Surgery is the only treatment option that works effectively. During the procedure, your ophthalmologist will remove the cloudy part of the lens and replace it with an artificial lens.

Cataract surgery is very successful. A few patients experience hazy vision after cataract removal. This can happen if the capsule clouds. An ophthalmologist can perform a capsulotomy, which uses a laser to clear the area. If you have cataracts or notice a change in your vision, make an appointment with an Eye Michigan board certified, experienced ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam to get answers and learn about treatment options.

Cataracts are a common vision problem that affects more than 24.4 million people over the age of 40 in the United States. While they are generally not dangerous, they can cause the gradual loss of eyesight.

What Causes Cataracts?

The lens in the human eye is 65% water. It contains no blood supply and is transparent to allow light to pass through. Our bodies continue to produce new cells to replenish our lenses. An array of factors can cause protein to build up on the lens, making it cloudy. Common causes include:

Age

Age is the most common cause of cataracts. The condition may start to form long before the patient notices any loss of vision.

Trauma

An injury to the eye at any age can cause a cataract to form.

Congenital

Babies can be born with cataracts. This can happen as a result of injury, infection, or poor development before birth. They can also appear as the baby enters childhood.

Symptoms & Side Effects

A cataract may be the symptom of a medical condition. They can also form as a side effect due to exposure to radiation, UV light, toxins, or when taking certain medications like diuretics or corticosteroids.

Cataract Treatment

Your ophthalmologist may prescribe contacts or glasses in situations where vision can be corrected. Otherwise, cataract surgery may be required. This is an outpatient procedure that involves removing the lens and replacing it with an artificial one. Over 95% of patients who have cataract surgery report better vision afterward. Contact Eye Michigan for an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam and to find out if you need treatment for cataracts.

Prevent Blindness America, an outreach program that brings eye care to Americans with a high risk of vision loss, has declared June Cataract Awareness Month! Cataracts affect more than 20 million people over the age of 40 in the United States. It is also the leading cause of blindness. These are some of the reasons why it is so important for everyone to understand what cataracts are, how they form, and how to treat them.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are caused by a protein buildup on the lens of the eye. As the condition worsens, the lens becomes milky, and eyesight is diminished. Everything begins to look hazy, cloudy, and less colorful. Eventually, the condition can cause serious vision problems that prevent the patient from working and living as they once did.

How Are Cataracts Treated?

Cataracts are common, but they are also easy to treat. Once the condition gets to the point where it is starting to affect the patient’s ability to live and work, an ophthalmologist will usually recommend surgery. The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and applying a clear artificial replacement known as an intraocular lens. The entire process usually takes 20 minutes. Many patients report a relatively short recovery time, usually a few days.

How Can I Keep My Vision Clear?

It’s always best to keep your vision as clear as possible before a problem appears. There is no way to stop age-related cataracts from forming, but you can slow progression and lower risk with a healthy lifestyle. Reduce UV ray exposure, don’t smoke, eat nutritious foods and always wear eye protection when playing sports or engaging in activities that could cause injury. Talk to your ophthalmologist to learn more about keeping your eyes healthy. Schedule an appointment with your Eye Michigan doctor today!

LenSx Cataract Surgery

The LenSx® Laser signifies a bold leap forward in cataract surgery. The first femtosecond laser cleared for use in cataract surgery, it brings image-guided computer precision to refractive cataract surgeons.